HRI reshuffles senior execs

HORSE Racing Ireland has reorganised its senior management team with the appointment of John Osborne to the new position of Director of Equine Welfare and Bloodstock. In a related move, Paul Dermody will take over Osborne’s current position of Chief Executive of HRI Racecourses.

Cobden likely to choose Cyrname in King George

JOCKEY Harry Cobden is expected to desert Clan Des Obeaux and ride stable companion Cyrname in the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton on December 26th.

The two Paul Nicholls-trained chasers were among seven left in the race on Friday. Final declarations will be made on Monday. Cyrname is the general 7/4 favourite while last year’s winner Clan Des Obeaux is around 7/2. The remaining quintet are Lostintranslation, Footpad, Thistlecrack, Aso, and La Bague Au Roi.

EU audit for South Africa

SOUTH Africa has been prevented from exporting horses to most parts of the world since 2013 but that could change in 2020. It was announced this week that the European Union will perform an audit of South Africa’s export protocols in April or May.

Because of the prevalence of African Horse Sickness in South Africa, horses are required to spend almost six months in quarantine before they can be exported to most countries, a restriction which effectively rules them out of competing internationally.

Trainer’s father passes away

CO Kilkenny trainer Ray Cody lost his father last weekend. Ray senior, from Dunnamaggin, was in his 96th year. A huge racing fan, he regularly attended meetings at Gowran Park, Clonmel and Tramore, and was in Kilbeggan for his son’s first winner, Razoul, this summer. He is survived by his wife Joan and their seven children.